Character-shaped book holder

ABSTRACT

A book holder for holding a book in a position for substantially hands-free reading that is shaped as a character, such as an animal, human, hero or fantasy object, and adapted for allowing the reader to read the book while sitting or laying down. In the preferred embodiment, the book holder has a character body with upper appendages, which can be shaped like arms, and lower appendages, which can be shaped like legs. At least the upper appendages are flexible and adjustable to grasp the book and hold it in a upright, reading position towards the reader. The lower appendages support the book in this position. Preferably, the book holder has a book support holder to assist in holding the book open and one or more lights to illuminate the reading pages. The lights are electrically connected to a source of electrical power, such as one or more rechargeable batteries.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to book holders configured to support a book and other reading materials in a position convenient for readers to read and handle. More particularly, the present invention relates to such book holders that support a book or other reading material in a generally vertical or upright position. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to book holders that are in the shape of a human, animal, robotic or other type of characters that are configured to sit on the reader's lap, chest or other supporting surface while the reader reads the book or other reading material.

B. Background

Many people enjoy reading books, magazines, journals or other reading materials for entertainment and educational purposes. Although reading is frequently done at tables, desks and other generally planar surfaces, it is well known that many people prefer to read while sitting on a comfortable chair or couch or while laying in bed. It is also well known that many people enjoy reading while sitting outdoors in a chair, hammock or other support device or while laying on a blanket or towel. Unless the reader lays the reading material flat on a table or desk, one problem with reading books or other materials, particularly while in a chair, couch or bed, is that the reader typically must hold the material in front of his or her eyes with one or both the hands. Typically, the reader holds the book or other reading material while balancing it on his or her lap or chest or against their folded legs. Over time, particularly for larger books or journals, this can be quite uncomfortable due to stiffness of the arms and legs that can result in the condition of the arms or legs “falling asleep” or the reader having to change reading positions to avoid such problems. Although reading a book or other reading material laying flat on a table, desk or other generally planar surface solves the problem of having to hold the book with the reader's hands, it is well known that such reading positions can be uncomfortable due to strain on the back and neck from looking down at the reading material.

With any place in which a person desires to read, it is necessary to have sufficient light to illuminate the reading surface of the book, magazine or other reading material so the reader can see the written material. In order to avoid eyestrain, headaches or other problems, it is preferable that the light be substantially directed at the reading material. To provide sufficient light for reading, the reader typically utilizes natural or artificial light, such as from lamps and the like, that is directed to the pages where he or she is reading. Reading at night requires the use of artificial light. Often, the reader will read from a book or other reading material utilizing a lamp placed on a table or the like next to the chair, couch or bed. There are many times, when the use of a chair or bed side lamp is not desired or appropriate, such as when the reader desires to read while laying in bed and someone else is sleeping next to him or her. Under these circumstances, many readers utilize somewhat small, generally attachable reading lights that clamp or otherwise mount to the book or other reading material and have a light that can be directed toward the pages of the reading material. Most such reading lights are battery powered and utilize flashlight-type light bulbs. With regard to the problems of holding a book or the like while sitting or laying in a chair, couch or bed, the use of the attached reading light adds to the weight of the reading material and, therefore, increases the likelihood of arm or other fatigue from holding the reading material.

A number of prior art patents have addressed various issues with regard to supporting or holding a book or other reading material in a manner that, to one degree or another, provides substantially hands-free support for the reading material. A number of the prior art devices are in the general shape and configuration of commonly available copy holder stands or a book-sized easel or podium. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,779 to Halpin describes a book holding device having an angled back support section against which a book lays, a frontal lip or ledge on which the book stands and a wire that runs through the back section in an arm-like fashion to hold a book in place upon the holder. In the preferred embodiment, the book holder is constructed from a block of semi-rigid material such as foam. Another similar device is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,458 to Pagano, which describes a book holder having a book support portion with an inclined upper surface and a base and a freestanding support portion with a document engagement surface and integral base to hold up the book support portion. A page-retaining clip is provided for holding a single sheet of paper. Another type of book holder is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,385 to Chang, which discloses an adjustable book holder having a weighted base with a front wall and a pair of side walls, to which a bracket rotatably and adjustably attaches so as to support a frame or casing in a generally upright position. A book stands on the base and leans against the frame/casing and is held open by the front wall of the base. Yet another type of book holding apparatus, that being a clamping stand-type of book holder, is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,870 to Salvador, which discloses a base, a post extending upwardly from the base, a flexible rod attached at one end to the post and a clamp-like device at the second end of the flexible rod configured to hold a book in an open position. U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,755 to Pryor discloses a bedside book holding apparatus that comprises a generally upright frame portion, which clamps at the bottom to a bed frame, and a book support frame that is adjustably attached to the upright frame and configured with a support plate to support a book. In one embodiment, a lamp is attached to the support frame to illuminate the book. A number of specialty book holders are also described in issued patents. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,852 to Wainscott, et al. describes a pillow book holder comprising a pillow with a transparent material on the front side that is dimensioned to receive a book between the pillow and the plastic-type material through an open top end. The book holder holds a book in an open position so that two pages can be read through the transparent plastic-type material. U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,202 to Paton describes a floating bookstand that is shaped similar to the copy holder or easel/podium types of book holders, but specially configured to support a book or other reading material on the surface of water, such as a pool or the like.

While not presently utilized in combination with book holders, many people have stuffed animals, toy action figures, dolls, robots and other objects for display, entertainment and play. Many of these objects, particularly dolls and stuffed animals, have been around for very many years. In one variation of such objects, they are provided with an internal or external mechanisms to facilitate placing the object into a variety of different poses. Some of these have a discreet internal reinforcing or skeletal portion formed of a plastically deformable material that is manually deformable to place the object in the desired shape, and covered by a less rigid material (such as rubber, plastic or cloth). U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,653 to Langton, No. 5,017,173 to Shapero, et al., No. 4,932,919 to Shapero and No. 6,746,303 to Beidokhti are examples of various posable human-shaped figures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,531 to Witkin describes a posable stuffed toy animal having hand-bendable flat bands to internally support the body of the animal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,949 to Resper, et al. describes a soft doll or animal formed of groups of stuffed segments on a flexible core.

While the foregoing patents describe a variety of different book holder apparatuses and posable objects, none of the foregoing are directed to a book holder that is configured in the shape of character-type object, such as an animal, human figure, robot, action figure or the like. With regard to the foregoing book holders, they are generally not configured for holding in a person's lap or on his or her chest while reading in a chair, couch or bed. An exception is the pillow book holder to Wainscoft described above, which appears to describe a book holder that allows the book to be comfortably held in a persons lap. The book holder of this patent, however, describes securely holding the book inside an envelope-type of configuration, albeit with a transparent cover, on the pillow. An apparent disadvantage of this configuration is that when the reader desires to change pages, he or she must remove the book from the holder, flip the page over and then reinsert the book back inside the envelope portion of the book holder. Other holders also have difficulty with changing pages.

What is needed, therefore, is a book holder that is configured in the shape of a character, such as a bear, human figure, robot, action hero or the like, to hold a book or other reading material in a reading position so as to comfortably rest on the reader's lap or chest for reading in a sitting or laying position. The improved book holder should allow the book to be held by the holder in a manner that facilitates the reader's ability to change pages. The book holder should also be configured to sit on other surfaces, such as a table, desk, floor, deck, stand, rock or the like, and allow the reader to read the reading material held by the holder. The book holder should also be configured with a holding member or the like to assist in holding a book in the open position and one or more lights to illuminate the reading surface of the book or other reading material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The character-shaped book holder of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses an improved book holder that is configured in the shape of a character, such as an animal (i.e., stuffed bear, monkey or the like), human-like character, robot, action figures, extra-terrestrials and others, that is adapted to hold the book or in a manner that facilitates reading the book thereon, particularly when the reader is in a sitting or laying position. The book holder of the present invention is also configured to sit on generally planar, such as tables, desks, floors and the like, and non-planar surfaces in a manner that the reader can easily read the book held by the book holder. The book holder of the present invention has one or more upper appendages that are adjustably configured so as to hold the book in an open position and one or more lower appendages that are configured to support the book in a generally upright position. The book holder of the present invention can also be provided with a holding member to help hold the book open and in place on the book holder and one or more lights to illuminate the reading surface of the book.

In one general aspect of the present invention, the character-shaped book holder of the present is utilized in conjunction with a book to support the book in a generally readable position and comprises a character body shaped and configured as a character with one or more upper appendages and one or more lower appendages. For many characters, character body will have a pair of arms and a pair of legs that extend generally outward from the front side of the character body. The upper appendages are flexible and adjustable so as to permit the user to utilize the upper appendages to hold the book on the front side of the character body in a generally upright, front facing position so the reader can read the book while the book holder is in his or her lap, sitting on his or her chest or stomach or resting on another surface, such as a table or desk. The ends of the upper appendages, which can be in the shape of hands, paws or the like, can be configured to hold the book open. The bottom of the book can rest on and be supported by the one or more lower appendages, which can include feet shaped ends to help hold the book in place. A book support holder can be located on the character body, such as below and extending downward from the chin of the character's head, to further support the book in an open position. One or more lights can be located on the character body, such as under the chin or on the character's feet, and configured to illuminate the pages of the open book. The lights can be electrically connected to a source of electrical power, such as an AC outlet or batteries. The batteries can be rechargeable and positioned in a battery compartment configured to allow the user to recharge the batteries by plugging in a power cord to an electrical outlet. Preferably, the power cord that interconnects the AC outlet with the rechargeable batteries is removable, such as by connecting to a plug-in receptacle, so the reader can utilize the book holder with the inconvenience of the power cord connected to the book holder. A switch can be operatively connected to the lights so as to allow the user to select when he or she desires to have the lights on for illumination purposes.

Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a character-shaped book holder for use in holding a book that provides the advantages discussed above and that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations which are associated with presently available book holders.

It is an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder that is configured to hold a book or other reading material in a manner that facilitates the reader easily and comfortably reading therefrom

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder that is configured to hold a book or other reading material to facilitate substantially hands-free reading, particularly when the reader is sitting in a chair or couch and siting or laying in a bed.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder that has one or more upper appendages that are flexibly configured so as to hold the book or other reading material in an open position for reading therefrom and in a manner that allows relatively easy changing of pages.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder that is configured with a holding mechanism to assist in holding the book or other reading material in an open position.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder that is configured with one or more lights adapted to illuminate the reading surface of the book or other reading material while being held by the book holder.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide a character-shaped book holder having an internal, rechargeable battery and a switch-operated light connected thereto to illuminate the reading surface of the book or other reading material while being held by the book holder.

The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a character-shaped book holder configured according to the principles of the present invention shown as a stuffed bear in use holding a book;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the character-shaped book holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the character-shaped book holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a character-shaped book holder configured according to the principles of the present invention shown as a doll/human figure in use holding a book; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of a character-shaped book holder configured according to the principles of the present invention shown as a robot in use holding a book.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, and particularly with reference to the embodiment of the character-shaped book holder of the present invention illustrated in the figures, various preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed description and drawings are merely illustrative of various alternative embodiments and represent only several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific characters, components, materials, configurations and uses of the present invention are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For purposes of this disclosure, references are generally to use of the present invention with a book, however, it is understood that the disclosure herein is not so limited as the book holder of the present invention is useful with a variety of different type of reading materials, including magazines, journals, letters and the like.

A character-shaped book holder that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to the concepts and principles of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. As shown in FIG. 1, book holder 10 is configured with a character body 12 having one or more upper appendages, such as first upper appendage 14 and second upper appendage 16, and one or more lower appendages, such as first lower appendage 18 and second lower appendage 20. In FIGS. 1 through 3, character body 12 is a teddy bear type of animal, in FIG. 4 character body 12 is a doll/human figure and in FIG. 5 character body 12 is a robot. In each of these figures, the character bodies have arms for the first 14 and second 16 upper appendages and legs for the first 18 and second 20 lower appendages. As explained in more detail below, the upper appendages 14 and 16 and the lower appendages 18 and 20 extend generally outwardly from the front side 22 of character body 12 to hold book 24 in a generally upright reading position so that a reader can read the pages 26 therefrom in a generally hands-free manner (except for turning the pages). Typically, character body 12 will also include a head 28 having appropriately configured head and facial features, such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears and the like. Depending on the particular character body 12 utilized for book holder 10, such as for the bear of FIGS. 1 through 3, it may also have a tail 30 on the back side 32 of character body 12.

Although the drawings included herewith show only three different variations on the character body 12, that being a bear, doll/human form and robot, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is not so limited. The book holder 10 of the present invention can be a variety of different types of characters, including many different mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish or human forms. In addition, the character body 12 can be in the form of a wide variety of fantasy, mythological and spiritual creatures and beings. Depending on the form chosen for character body 12, it may or may not have the arms and legs as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. For instance, if character body 12 is in the form of a dolphin, whale or the like, it is likely to be configured with fins for the first 14 and second 16 upper appendages and a singular tail for the lower appendage 18 or 20 (if desired, of course, the tail can be split into the two separate lower appendages 18 and 20). Numerous other variations are also possible. As set forth above and herein, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide book holder apparatus 10 in the shape of a character 12, of any type, that is suitable for use to hold a book 24 or other reading material while the reader reads from the pages 26 thereof in a substantially hands-free manner, as described in more detail below.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, first 14 and second 16 upper appendages (i.e. the arms in the figures) are configured so as to be adjustable or flexible so that they may engage book 24, support it in a generally upright reading position (as shown) and hold it open to the desired pages 26 for reading therefrom. Preferably, first 14 and second 16 upper appendages are configured for the user to spread them apart to place book 24 on the front side 22 of the character body 12, such as in the character's “lap” for the figures shown, and then close or fold them in towards the character body 12 to engage book 24 in a manner suitable for reading from pages 26. Character body 12 can include upper appendage frame members 34, which is shown for first upper appendage 14 in FIG. 2, that provides the preferred flexibility for first 14 and second 16 upper appendages. If desired, upper appendage ends 36 and 38 (i.e., which can be configured as hands), on first 14 and second 16 upper appendages respectively, can be configured to substantially hook or otherwise engage book 24, as best shown in FIG. 1. As will be readily understood and known by those skilled in the art, as exemplified by the patents referenced above (the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference), there are many different mechanism available to provide the desired adjustability for first 14 and second 16 upper appendages. For instance, character shaped outer portion of character body 12, which can be cloth, fur, silk, soft or hard plastic or a variety of other suitable materials, can cover a reinforcing or skeletal portion configured as a discreet internal member formed from a plastically deformable material that allows the user to manually adjust the position of the first 14 and second 16 upper appendages for different sizes of books 24. If desired, first 14 and second 16 upper appendages can be provided with an adjustable connection (i.e., an elbow), not shown, that allows a first portion of the internal member to pivot or swing relative to a second portion thereof, much the way the forearm moves relative to the upper arm. The flexible nature of first 14 and second 16 upper appendages can be provided by the materials used for these components, from an internal frame or from segmented, interconnected body sections. For instance, certain rubber-based materials may be sufficiently plastically deformable such that they allow the user to adjust the position of first 14 and second 16 upper appendages without the need for any frame, internal or otherwise.

In the preferred embodiment of book holder 10 of the present invention, book 24 is held open by first 14 and second 16 upper appendages and supported, in the open position, by first 18 and second 20 lower appendages, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. The lower appendage ends 40 and 42 (which can be configured as feet) on first 18 and second 20 lower appendages, respectively, can assist with holding book 24 open to the desired pages 26. As shown in the figures, first 18 and second 20 lower appendages effectively assist in propping book 24 in the upright reading position where it is most useful for reading therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, book 24 can rest on the reader's legs or chest or on another surface (such as a table top, etc.) with the upper appendages 14 and 16 configured to sufficiently hold book 24 at the desired position. Although not necessarily required to accomplish the objectives of the present invention, first 18 and second 20 lower appendages can also be provided with a lower appendage frame member 44 that is configured to allow first 18 and second 20 lower appendages to be adjustable or flexible. As set forth for upper appendages 14 and 16 above, first 18 and second 20 lower appendages can be configured from a variety of different materials and in a variety of different ways to provide the support and/or adjustability desired with regard to holding book 24.

Depending on the configuration and materials utilized for character body 12 and/or the size and weight of book desired to be utilized with book holder 10 of the present invention, it may be beneficial to provide character body 12 with a spine-like body frame member 46, as shown in FIG. 2. If utilized, body frame member 46 should be configured to support character body 12 when it is holding book 24 in a generally upright position such that book 24 will be properly facing the reader when he or she is utilizing book holder 10. If desired, body frame member 46 can be configured to be adjustable and/or flexible to allow the user of book holder 10 to adjust character body 12 for his or her own reading preference. Body frame member 46 can be shaped and configured to interconnect upper appendage frame members 34 and lower appendage frame members 44, as shown in FIG. 2. It may also be preferable for body frame member 46 to extend at least partially into head 28 of character body 12 to provide additional support thereto. As set forth above for upper appendages 14 and 16, body frame member 46 can be configured from a variety of different materials and in a variety of different ways to provide the support and/or adjustability desired with regard to supporting character body 12 in the desired position.

To further improve the ability of book holder 10 to hold book 24 open for the reader to read pages 26, the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a book support holder 48 that is sized and configured to engage the open book 24, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. In the preferred embodiment, book support holder 48 extends generally downwardly from the just below head 28 of character body 12 (i.e., from near the neck section) such that it is positioned over the open book 24. Preferably, book support holder 48 extends slightly outward from character body 12 so that larger sized books can also be held open by book support holder. As shown in the figures, the top of book 24 is placed between book support holder 48 and character body 12. In one preferred embodiment, book support holder 48 is a single, integral piece member. In alternative embodiments, book support holder 48 can be configured to be at least partially extendable (i.e., telescoping) in its length to accommodate different sized books 24. Likewise, book support holder 48 can also be variable in width to further accommodate different sized books 24. Book support holder 48 can be made out of a variety of different materials, including plastic, metal, wood and various composites. If desired, book support holder 48 can be incorporated into the design of the character body 12, such as configuring book support holder as part of a tie, bow or the like or part of the chin or other body component of the selected character body 12. Alternatively, book support holder 48 can be somewhat or substantially hidden by the chin of head 28 or another part of character body 12. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, book support holder 48 can be placed elsewhere on character body 12, such as near lower appendages 18 and 20 or the “waist” of character body 12, as may be appropriate for the particular character.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes one or more lights 50 placed on the front side 22 of character body 12, such as the two shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Lights 50 should be selected and configured on character body 12 so as to illuminate pages 26 of book 24 for the reader. Lights 50 can be of the bulb type commonly utilized in flashlights, LEDs or a variety of other light emitting devices. If desired or necessary, depending on the configuration of character body 12, lights 50 can be included with a light holder, not shown, that extends or is extendable in an outwardly direction from character body 12 so as to better illuminate book 24. For instance, lights 50 can be included on a platform that extends outwardly so as to support lights 50 aiming generally downward towards book 24. Alternatively, lights 50 can be mounted on a flexible and/or telescoping support that the reader can extend outward and bend downward to focus lights 50 on pages 26, similar in function to many presently available “book light” devices. Although lights 50 are shown in the figures as being at or near head 28 of character body 12, those skilled in the art will readily understand that lights 50 can be positioned elsewhere on character body 12 and still accomplish the objective of illuminating pages 26 of book 24. For instance, lights 50 can be placed at or near the ends 40 and 42 of first 18 and second 20 lower appendages (i.e., the feet of the legs) and shine upward to book 24 as it is held in place by first 14 and second 16 upper appendages and book support holder 48. As with book support holder 48, lights 50 can be incorporated into the design of the character chosen for book holder 10.

To power lights 50 so as to illuminate pages 26 of book 24, book holder 10 will require a source of electrical power. In one embodiment, the source of electrical power is the typical AC outlet 52 which is electrically connected to book holder 10 by a power cord 54. In another embodiment, the source of electrical power is one or more standard batteries 56 in a battery compartment 58 disposed in or on character body 12. In the preferred embodiment (as shown in FIG. 3), however, the book holder 10 of the present invention utilizes rechargeable batteries 56 in battery compartment 58, which is configured to recharge batteries 56, that is electrically connected via wires 60 to a plug-in receptacle 62 that connects, via power cord 54, to outlet 52 for recharging. In this manner, the user can recharge batteries 56 when book holder 10 is not in use and then disconnect power cord 54 from plug-in receptacle 62 when he or she desires to utilize book holder 10 for reading a book, thereby avoiding problems with power cord 54 being in the way when reading. The light system for lights 50 should be configured to operate with power cord 54 plugged into plug-in receptacle so that the reader may utilize book holder 10 even if the batteries are not fully charged. In addition, battery compartment 58 should be configured to accept regular, non-rechargeable batteries also and in a manner that facilitates relatively easy replacement of batteries 56. Preferably, plug-in receptacle 62 is also configured to accept a power cord 54 that connects to a power receptacle in an automobile or the like (not shown). Depending on the configuration of lights 50, a variety of other sources of electrical power may also be beneficially utilized. If desired, tail 30 can be configured to cover and protect plug-in receptacle when book holder 10 of the present invention is not in use. To allow the reader to selectively turn lights 50 on and off, book holder 10 includes a switch 64 electrically connected to the source of electrical power, such as batteries 56, and lights 50. Switch 64 can be incorporated into battery holder 58. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, switch 64 can be incorporated into a feature of the character body 12, such as its ear. A variety of switches can be used with book holder 10 of the present invention, including push button or flip switches.

When book holder 10 of the present invention is not in use, power cord 54 can interconnect electrical outlet 52 to plug-in receptacle so as to recharge batteries 56 in battery holder 58. When the reader desires to read from book 24, he or she simply disconnects power cord 54 from outlet 52 and plug-in receptacle 62 to allow lights 50 to operate on battery-power as needed or desired by the reader. In use, the reader places book 24 on the front side 22 of character body 12 such that the ends 36 and 38 of first 14 and second 16 upper appendages, respectively, grasp book 24 to the desired pages 26 the reader is reading. If desired or necessary, the reader also places the top of book 24 under book support holder 48. The bottom of book 24 is placed on top of first 18 and second 20 lower appendages to support book 24 in the desired reading position. The ends 40 and 42 of first 18 and second 20 lower appendages, respectively, can be utilized to provide the desired reading angle for book 24. If the light is low or illumination of pages 26 is otherwise needed, the reader can operate switch 64 to turn on lights 50 and illuminate the desired pages 26 of book 24. When the reader is done reading, he or she can turn of lights 50 by operating switch 64 and then plug in power cord 54 to outlet 52 and plug-in receptacle 62 to recharge batteries 56 so book holder 10 is ready for the next use.

While there are shown and described herein certain specific alternative forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to the dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention. 

1. A book holder in combination with a book, said book holder comprising, a character body having a front side and a back side and one or more upper appendages attached to said character body and extending generally outward of said front side of said character body, said one or more upper appendages configured to engage said book so as to support said book in a generally upright position.
 2. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said one or more upper appendages are adjustable.
 3. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said book holder further comprises one or more lower appendages attached to said character body, said lower appendages configured to support said book in said upright position.
 4. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said character body is in the shape of an animal.
 5. The book holder according to claim 4, wherein said animal is a bear.
 6. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said character body is in the shape of a human body.
 7. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said character body is in the shape of a robot.
 8. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said character body further comprises a book support holder attached to said character body, said book support holder configured to hold said book in a generally open position.
 9. The book holder according to claim 8, wherein said book support holder extends generally downward from a head of said character body.
 10. The book holder according to claim 1, wherein said character body further comprises one or more lights electrically connected to a source of electrical power.
 11. The book holder according to claim 10, wherein said source of electrical power is one or more rechargeable batteries.
 12. The book holder according to claim 10, wherein said character body further comprises a switch operatively interconnecting said one or more lights and said source of electrical power.
 13. The book holder according to claim 10, wherein said character body further comprises a book support holder configured to hold said book in a generally open position.
 14. The book holder according to claim 13, wherein at least one of said one or more lights is attached to said book support holder.
 15. A book holder in combination with a book, said book holder comprising: a character body having a front side and a back side; one or more upper appendages attached to said character body and extending generally outward of said front side of said character body, said one or more upper appendages adjustable and configured to engage said book so as to support said book in a generally upright position; and one or more lower appendages attached to said character body, said lower appendages configured to support said book in said generally upright position.
 16. The book holder according to claim 15, wherein said character body further comprises a book support holder attached to said character body, said book support holder configured to hold said book in a generally open position.
 17. The book holder according to claim 15, wherein said character body further comprises one or more lights electrically connected to a source of electrical power.
 18. The book holder according to claim 17, wherein said character body further comprises a switch operatively interconnecting said one or more lights and said source of electrical power.
 19. A book holder in combination with a book, said book holder comprising: a character body having a front side and a back side; one or more upper appendages attached to said character body and extending generally outward of said front side of said character body, said one or more upper appendages adjustable and configured to engage said book so as to support said book in a generally upright position; one or more lower appendages attached to said character body, said lower appendages configured to support said book in said upright position; a book support holder attached to said character body, said book support holder configured to hold said book in a generally open position; and one or more lights attached to said character body and electrically connected to a source of electrical power.
 20. The book holder according to claim 19, wherein said character body further comprises a switch operatively interconnecting said one or more lights and said source of electrical power. 